Inferior Thyroid Artery - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The inferior thyroid artery is an artery of the anterolateral neck. It is the largest branch of the thyrocervical trunk, and the dominant blood supply to the neck. It supplies the thyroid gland and surrounding structures in the neck. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Course The inferior thyroid artery arises from the thyrocervical trunk at the root of the neck. It initially ascends along the surface of the scalenus anterior muscle. At the transverse process of the sixth cervical vertebrae, the vessel turns medially to head towards the thyroid gland. The inferior thyroid artery continues its medial course, passing anterior to the vertebral artery and posterior to the carotid sheath. At the level of the cricoid cartilage, the inferior thyroid artery penetrates the capsule of the thyroid gland on its posterior surface. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1The inferior thyroid artery arises from the thyrocervical trunk. Pro Feature - Dissection Atlas The subclavian and external carotid arteries. Note the location and branching pattern of the thyrocervical trunk. The subclavian and external carotid arteries. Note the location and branching pattern of the thyrocervical trunk. You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our Dissection Image Library Enhance your understanding with high-resolution dissection images showcasing real-life anatomy. Learn More Branches and Supply The inferior thyroid artery supplies structures in the neck via numerous branches: Ascending cervical artery – supplies the deep neck muscles and forms an anastomotic network which branches of the vertebral artery. Inferior laryngeal artery – supplies the laryngeal muscles and laryngeal mucosa. Muscular branches – supplies the infrahyoid muscles longus colli, scalenus anterior, and inferior pharyngeal constrictor. In addition, pharyngeal branches supply the pharynx, oesophagus, trachea, thyroid and parathyroid glands. Frequent questions What is the inferior thyroid artery? The inferior thyroid artery is the largest branch of the thyrocervical trunk and serves as the primary blood supply to the thyroid gland and surrounding neck structures. It plays a crucial role in vascularising the neck region. Where does the inferior thyroid artery originate? The inferior thyroid artery originates from the thyrocervical trunk at the root of the neck. It ascends along the surface of the scalenus anterior muscle before turning medially towards the thyroid gland. What structures are supplied by the inferior thyroid artery? The inferior thyroid artery supplies several structures in the neck, including the thyroid gland, laryngeal muscles, and infrahyoid muscles. It also provides blood to the pharynx, oesophagus, trachea, and parathyroid glands through its branches. How does the inferior thyroid artery course through the neck? The inferior thyroid artery ascends and then turns medially at the sixth cervical vertebra, passing anterior to the vertebral artery and posterior to the carotid sheath. It penetrates the thyroid gland's capsule at the level of the cricoid cartilage. What branches arise from the inferior thyroid artery? The inferior thyroid artery gives rise to several branches, including the ascending cervical artery and the inferior laryngeal artery. These branches supply various neck muscles and form anastomoses with branches of the vertebral artery. Rate This Article